1987—Pub. L. 100–203 substituted third to fifth sentences for former third sentence which read as follows: “The Secretary shall disapprove the assignment or sublease only for lack of qualification of the assignee or sublessee or for lack of sufficient bond: Provided, however, That the Secretary may, in his discretion, disapprove an assignment of a separate zone or deposit under any lease, or of a part of a legal subdivision.”

1960—Pub. L. 86–705 amended last sentence to restrict automatic extensions after Sept. 2, 1960.

1954—Act July 29, 1954, authorized partial assignment of a lease in its extended term regardless of reason for extension.

See note set out under section 181 of this title.

Pub. L. 86–705, § 6, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 790, provided in part that: “The provisions of this section 6 [amending this section] shall not be applicable to any lease issued prior to the effective date of this Act [Sept. 2, 1960].”